Biography

After graduating from RISD in 1985, Adams’ first full time design position brought him to Cambridge, MA where he developed one of the first 3D CAD applications. He teamed up with software engineers and created the hardware and software interface for this early 3D software. After completing the project, Adam relocated to San Diego to work as art director for NASA developing a booklet called “Global Change.” The publication was the first NASA document that acknowledged global climate change and was presented to the Reagan administration. It helped substantiate the fight against global warming, an issue receiving little attention at the time but has since risen to international importance. The graphics that Adam produced for the project can be seen throughout the book. Another aspect of the project was beta testing the new software “Photo Shop 87” and “Adobe Illustrator 88”. In 1989, Adam started his design agency Adam Smith Design. For over 21 years, his agency has specialized in providing product development in the areas of sporting goods; medical applications; jewelry; lighting; small and large electronic devices/computers; bicycles and bicycle-related products. Adam Smith Design has recently been active with mold tool and die designs for industrial applications. Adam provides clients with a wide range of design services that include front end design strategy and research; sustainable design development; styling and functional development towards physicality of a proposed product; 3D CAD engineering of products towards manufacturing and documentation; digital and traditional prototyping and fabricating; pre-press quality graphic design and packaging, and product photography and website development.

While working at RISD in the mid 90’s and early 2000’s, Adam built up the industrial design department’s first computer labs and designed the digital curriculum. Adam has also taught for 6 years, developed curriculum for ID sophomore studio, chaired the ID curriculum committee for 3 years, taught several sustainable design studios and methodologies, taught corporate sponsored studios, and is this year’s chief critic for Senior Studio.

Adam K. Smith

Associate Professor
asmith@risd.edu
401-454-6564

Courses